In April this year, Tanzania was expected to conduct a national referendum on a proposed new constitution, or katiba. The current round of constitutional reform is proving even more highly charged than previous episodes, with the opposition raising profound objections to the proposed text. Opposition coalition Ukawa walked out of negotiations, leading commentators to – incorrectly- anticipate a suspension of the process. The largest party in the grouping, Chadema, is now calling for a deferral of the vote, warning of national disorder and conflict.

Scroll through the timeline below to explore the country’s long history of “hesitant and disjointed” constitutional reform.